(292) PORTUGUESE MEN’S SELF-PERCEPTIONS ABOUT SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES THAT CAUSE DISTRESS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Sexual problems are an important health concern and due to issues related to social stereotypes of masculinity and virility, men feel particularly inhibited about exposing their sexual difficulties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to deepen our knowledge of Portuguese men's self-perceptions of the sexual problems and difficulties that cause them suffering.

This was a qualitative study carried out with the participation of 38 men living in Portugal. The data was collected through an online questionnaire which, in addition to closed characterization questions, included an open question about difficulties in experiencing satisfactory sexual activities in the last 6 months that caused emotional distress.

From the thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2022) an overarching theme “Causes of Dissatisfaction with Sex Life” was identified, and encompassed nine themes: (1) difficulties with partners, (2) absence or infrequency of sexual activity, (3) mental and/or emotional health problems, (4) physical health problems, (5) difficulties with desire and stimulation, (6) problems with ejaculation, (7) difficulties with pleasure, (8) erection problems, and (9) difficulty in satisfying sexual fantasies and desires.

The causes of difficulties in experiencing satisfying sexual activities were diverse and multifactorial among the men studied. Deepening our knowledge of these experiences through men's own reports allows us to investigate the suffering associated with these problems and informs prevention and treatment strategies. Helping people with sexual difficulties is central to health because sexual satisfaction is a key indicator of physical and psychological well-being.

We have no conflict of interest to declare.